Mother and child in Uganda

I was fascinated by the way they ALL carry their babies. A blanket with a knot over the bosom and a knot around the waist and the baby bobs back there happily. I never saw an unhappy child tied to the mama’s back.

This is a hard life they live. Their bodies work hard and I am certain they feel great strain, yet in that they learn to grow strong and become overcomers. I was impressed when a woman in the midst of her work would notice my pale face and big camera and give me a wave or a smile. The work didn’t seem to drag them into bitterness and despair. I suppose some get there, but not the whole culture.

That is irresistably cute. Who can deny it?  The little clothes were hanging to dry on the bushes behind them. Wash day must also mean “be free” day.

I ought to mention I was in a light blouse and skirt with sweat pouring down my legs and this woman has drapes of clothing around her. I can’t imagine how hot she must feel.  A few kilometers south of Kampala is the Equator!

It is obvious what this baby is after, and though momentarily distracted by the redhead behind her she sat there on the boat across the Nile to get to the game park and had some lunch. The look on Mama’s face is tender and knowing, evidence of a sweet bond with her child.

Can you imagine taking a taxi this way with a young child and a baby? The streets crawling with insanely crazy drivers. No helmets, no car seats, no worries.

Mama looks like she’s got a long walk, a long day and might need a long drink of cool ice water.

I remember religiously putting my babies down for a nap so they would rest appropriately, give me a break, and not be cranky from tiredness. The babies here take their naps strapped to mama’s back and they aren’t complaining, there’s no separation anxiety, and no torment of a cage like crib to scare them to sleep.

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